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Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Steel'

Scientific Name: Salvia yangii 'Blue Steel'

Also Known As

  • Blue Steel Russian Sage

Plant type

shrub, perennial

size

  • H: 18"-36"
  • W: 14"-28"

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

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Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Steel' plant details

Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Steel' is a broadleaf deciduous perennial shrub with blue foliage. In fall and summer blue and lavender flowers emerge. Attracts bees, beneficial insects, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, lean, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, pollution tolerant and wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Steel'

Plant type: perennial shrub
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: deciduous blue
Mature size: 14 IN - 28 IN - wide, 18 IN - 36 IN - tall
Flowers: blue and lavender blooms in fall and summer
Uses: border plant, cutting garden, fragrant foliage

GROWING CONDITIONS for Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Steel'

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, pollution and wind
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, lean, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Steel' has very dark blue flowers held on upright, branching stems up to 36 inches tall over a long period in summer into fall with great vigour and toughness for hot, sunny sites. Foliage is silver-green. Does best in dry hot conditions forming a lovely haze of colour at the front to middle of the border. Also great for summer containers. The hotter the location, the happier the Russian sage. Great for pollinators. Deer resistant.
Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Steel', commonly called Russian Sage, displays aromatic, grey-green foliage on a shrubby, deciduous perennial. Silvery-spikes holding clusters of tiny violet-blue flowers crown this plant in the Summer. Grow in well-drained soil. Tolerant of dry conditions but performs best with regular water. Prune back hard in early Spring to promote vigorous growth.

Gardening facts about Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Steel' plant

How to Grow Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Steel'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • pollution tolerant
    • wind tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • blue
    • lavender
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • bees
    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • fall
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Salvia for your garden

aka Bee Sage, White Sage

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 2'-4'

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
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aka Salvia cacaliaefolia, Salvia cacaliifolia, Cacalia Sage

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

9a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 2'-4'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular
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aka Chiapas Sage

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 3'

Width: 3'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular
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Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 3'

Width: 3'

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
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aka Chia

Plant Type

Herb, Annual / Biennial

Zones

1-12

Size

Height: 4"-20"

Width: 4"-12"

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Salvia columbariae close-up, flower by Curtis Clark
View Plant

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